Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Benton, AR: $23,825 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,825 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $27,417 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,063) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Aiming to enter the medical coding field in Benton, Arkansas, means starting with a competitive entry level medical coder salary Benton graduates can expect in 2026. Emerging coders may find initial positions offering around $23,825 annually, which positions them significantly below the city's median salary of $33,063. Fortunately, there is a clear growth trajectory; within the first few years, earnings can progress from the lower percentile salaries, like $27,783 at P25, toward more substantial figures as experience is gained. For recent graduates and those new to the workforce, the Benton market presents viable opportunities, especially given its annual growth rate of 2.32%, which indicates readiness for further advancements in the field.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level medical coders in Benton, AR typically start between $23,825 and $27,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,525 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,063 — 21.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Arkansas of $2,200 represents just 9.23% of the starting medical coder pay ($23,825/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $23,825 to $27,783, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Benton is $26,525 ( 111.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,825, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,350.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,521
2025 BLS Actual
$23,285
2026 Current Est.
$23,825
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,825 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,378 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,521 in 2021 to $23,285 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,378. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical coding Career in Benton
Employers in Benton that generally hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding to help newcomers acclimate to the profession. To bolster starting medical coder salary Benton newcomers should pursue state licensure, along with seeking advanced certifications recognized on a national level, which can significantly enhance their earning potential. During your first three years, realistic salary growth depends on the employer type and credentials acquired; those who actively engage in continuing education and pursue specialty certifications often find themselves earning higher wages than their peers. Ultimately, understanding the variables that influence pay in Arkansas will prepare new grads to negotiate effectively and cultivate fulfilling careers from the outset.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Benton in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Benton?
Is medical coding school worth it in Benton?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Benton?
How do I become a medical coder in Arkansas?
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Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov